KOCHI: The Mangalavanam bird sanctuary in the city seems to be attracting more students than birds. The bird sanctuary is slowly developing into an academic centre.V Radhakrishnan, Forest Range Officer, Thiruvananthapuram, who is in-charge of Mangalavanam Bird sanctuary said that they are presently in the process of making an extension and setting up an audio-visual interpretation centre so that students can make use it. “A part of the extension work has already been completed,” he said.The sanctuary which came into existence in 2004 housed at least 72 species of birds. Now the number has come down to almost 57. The number of migratory birds has also come down.The rise in the number of buildings and other factors have hindered migratory birds from visiting the sanctuary. But resident birds are still to be seen.Ecologists say that nothing can be done to solve the problem, since the sanctuary is located in the heart of the city.P O Nammeer, an associate professor in Thrissur who was part of the survey conducted in January, said, “ There is hardly any scope for preserving and developing this 2.74-hectare bird sanctuary into a proper haven for birds. The other option is to promote it as an academic centre. At least 25 student camps were held in the past three months. On Saturday, students from UC College, Aluva, will begin a three-day camp.It is more of a bird watching experience, along with a workshop on the need to conserve and protect the birds. Bird-friendly saplings will also be planted.Little Cormorant, Indian Pond Heron and Small bee-eaters are commonly seen. Also Indian flying fox and painted bat live in harmony. The proposal to get hold of the old railway station land for extension of the sanctuary is yet to be taken up.
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